Using grids

We noted how lists are important. However, what if we plan to present our data as a grid? Lucky for us!! The Android Framework provides us with a GridView that works very similar to ListView. You define your GridView in layout and assign the adapter instance to GridView's adapter property. GridView will recycle all views for you and perform instantiation when needed. The main difference between the list and the grid is that you have to define the number of columns for your GridView. The following example will present you with an example of GridView's use:

    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> 
   <GridView xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android" 
      android:id="@+id/my_grid" 
      android:layout_width="match_parent" 
      android:layout_height="match_parent" 
      android:columnWidth="100dp" 
      android:numColumns="3" 
      android:verticalSpacing="20dp" 
      android:horizontalSpacing="20dp" 
 
      android:stretchMode="columnWidth" 
      android:gravity="center" 
    /> 

We will highlight the important attributes we used in this example:

• columnWidth: This specifies the width for each column
• numColumns: This specifies the number of columns
• verticalSpacing: This specifies the vertical spacing between the rows
• horizontalSpacing: This specifies the horizontal spacing between the items in the grid

Try updating the current application's main ListView to present the data as GridView. Adjust it so it looks pleasant for the end user. Once again, feel free to experiment!